SKOGDOG
One of the old ones.
We live out west here in Kansas, and the saying goes...."It's a whole lot easier to get in the saddle than get out of it".
I doubt that when Derek and Donna first thought to buy surplus BDM parts, they realized the storage and organizational issues involved with running such a business. Now it has grown to huge proportions, and their vision has created a lifeline of support for we thousands of Big Dog riders. It's how we keep our bikes operational. I'm sure grateful that D&D made decisions to build the business in this direction. A visit to Lyons to see what they have created in the last fifteen or so years is confidence building--by that I mean I'm sure my K9 and Bulldog will be operational for many years to come. Derek is a problem solver too. I noticed he and his associates devised a rear wheel conversion kit for the '09 and '10 Wolf that addresses the tire (un)availability issue. Forward thinkers realize D&D will be more and more important as time passes.
But what I want to focus on in this post is the respect D&D have for the Big Dog community. Of course they are in business, and have to make money. Please recognize they give back a great deal to the Big Dog community. Last year at the gathering, they bought everyone a prime rib dinner at Flint Oak. They have also provided many door prize items. They have helped members in financial trouble get bikes back up and running with donated parts--meaning: sending what the member all parts needed and even paid shipping. This year when we rode up to Lyons, everyone got T-shirts, ball caps, mementos, and even some parts, all compliments of D&D. Shannon broke a shock, so he pulled it into the shop and replaced it. Derek and Donna and their staff met us in town with dedicated parking, then fed everyone (29? bikes---and several were 2up) lunch from the menu, then had a shuttle take us out to the site. They even provided significant cash awards to 'most miles ridden to Lyons' (Bigdog Rick and Celeste), and some others, too. And those are just the things I have seen personally.
My first knowledge of them was many years ago when Blacktopper tired of black fingers so he got a set of chrome wheels for his K9 from Derek on eBay. Then I had some professional activities one year that took me to Lyons, so Blackopper went along, and we had a coffee with Derek. After that, Derek helped Roger change the handlebars on his K9. Through the years, Derek has been an invaluable source of expertise on all things Big Dog, and he has been of resource to hundreds of Forum Members who need parts and advice. Donna handles communications, shipping and logistics, and of course also knows a lot about the bikes.
I want to recognize their significant contributions to and support for our Big Dog community. And thank them for the effort and expense of entertaining and feeding us. And for the gifts they provided Saturday in Lyons. And the tour of their beautiful home.
They are very hard working people who genuinely enjoy participating in the Big Dog community we have all created.
Have doubts? Just travel through Lyons and arrange to go visit. You'll see.
Many years ago I used a notion that is apt again here: "Show me what a person guards, and you'll know their values". D&D value people, and the respect and integrity that builds relationships.
I for one wish you many years of healthy happy Dogs.
I doubt that when Derek and Donna first thought to buy surplus BDM parts, they realized the storage and organizational issues involved with running such a business. Now it has grown to huge proportions, and their vision has created a lifeline of support for we thousands of Big Dog riders. It's how we keep our bikes operational. I'm sure grateful that D&D made decisions to build the business in this direction. A visit to Lyons to see what they have created in the last fifteen or so years is confidence building--by that I mean I'm sure my K9 and Bulldog will be operational for many years to come. Derek is a problem solver too. I noticed he and his associates devised a rear wheel conversion kit for the '09 and '10 Wolf that addresses the tire (un)availability issue. Forward thinkers realize D&D will be more and more important as time passes.
But what I want to focus on in this post is the respect D&D have for the Big Dog community. Of course they are in business, and have to make money. Please recognize they give back a great deal to the Big Dog community. Last year at the gathering, they bought everyone a prime rib dinner at Flint Oak. They have also provided many door prize items. They have helped members in financial trouble get bikes back up and running with donated parts--meaning: sending what the member all parts needed and even paid shipping. This year when we rode up to Lyons, everyone got T-shirts, ball caps, mementos, and even some parts, all compliments of D&D. Shannon broke a shock, so he pulled it into the shop and replaced it. Derek and Donna and their staff met us in town with dedicated parking, then fed everyone (29? bikes---and several were 2up) lunch from the menu, then had a shuttle take us out to the site. They even provided significant cash awards to 'most miles ridden to Lyons' (Bigdog Rick and Celeste), and some others, too. And those are just the things I have seen personally.
My first knowledge of them was many years ago when Blacktopper tired of black fingers so he got a set of chrome wheels for his K9 from Derek on eBay. Then I had some professional activities one year that took me to Lyons, so Blackopper went along, and we had a coffee with Derek. After that, Derek helped Roger change the handlebars on his K9. Through the years, Derek has been an invaluable source of expertise on all things Big Dog, and he has been of resource to hundreds of Forum Members who need parts and advice. Donna handles communications, shipping and logistics, and of course also knows a lot about the bikes.
I want to recognize their significant contributions to and support for our Big Dog community. And thank them for the effort and expense of entertaining and feeding us. And for the gifts they provided Saturday in Lyons. And the tour of their beautiful home.
They are very hard working people who genuinely enjoy participating in the Big Dog community we have all created.
Have doubts? Just travel through Lyons and arrange to go visit. You'll see.
Many years ago I used a notion that is apt again here: "Show me what a person guards, and you'll know their values". D&D value people, and the respect and integrity that builds relationships.
I for one wish you many years of healthy happy Dogs.
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